Oranzo "Curly" Polacelli, Jr.

Oranzo "Orrie" Polacelli, Jr., formerly of Steuben and currently of Utica, died Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at Siegenthaler Center for Palliative Care with his family by his side. Orrie was born in Utica on May 27, 1933, the son of the late Oronzo, Sr., and Rose (Sansone) Polacelli. A 1951 graduate of Utica Free Academy, he was a U.S. Army veteran having served his country stateside. Orrie learned carpentry from his father, a master craftsman. In 1952 he began his career as a carpenter apprentice with the John Harvey Company. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, Orrie began a long and acclaimed career in construction, continuing with the John Harvey Company, which later became Fletcher-McCarthy and finally became Murnane Associates, until his retirement in 1995. His career spanned 43 years as a construction superintendent on all-major construction and renovation projects at Colgate University. Orrie's work can be seen today on the Colgate campus in all of the original buildings, the Field House, the Dining Hall and the Colgate Inn. In 1997 he briefly came out of retirement and served as construction consultant for Nole Construction on the Utica City Courts and Police Station renovations. During his lifetime he was well respected for his craftsmanship, ingenuity and innovation in the construction field. During retirement, he completely renovated his farmhouse in Steuben, which later became his home. Here he indulged his outdoors interests including raising three horses; gardening; snow mobiling and three and four wheeling around his property. Orrie also turned his artistic talents and passion to clock making and created grandfather clocks, wall clocks and mantle clocks known for their beauty and intricacy. Orrie was an avid sports fan whose favorite teams were the Boston Celtics, New York Giants, New York Jets and the Cleveland Indians. Orrie was a member of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament as well as St. Leo's in Holland Patent when he resided in Steuben. Orrie was a kind, gentle, private man well respected for his sense of character and he always prioritized his family's needs. He leaves behind his life-long best friend and caregiver, Nunzio Melchiorre; and his loyal canine companion, Anthonee. Also surviving are his brothers, Anthony; and niece, Rosel of Florida and Michael and Jenny; and nephews, Orrie III and Michael II, Westmoreland. An adopted brother of the extended Melchiorre family, Orrie leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He leaves a special friend, Christopher Giruzzi. He held a special place in his heart for deceased nephews, his "buddy George" and Derek. He is predeceased by his sister-in-law, Rita Polacelli; and members of his adopted family, Angelo, Sr., and Maria Melchiorre; and six brothers and one sister. The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the staff at St. Elizabeth's ER, 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors and to the 3C staff for their care of Orrie during his extended stay; his physician, Dr. Pachikara and to the staff at the Seigenthaler Hospice Center. All those who cared for Orrie displayed personal concern and great professionalism. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the Parkinson's Association, envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to his mass of Christian burial which will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. Interment will take place in the Melchiorre family lot in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Oranzo "Curly" Polacelli, Jr.

May 27, 1933 - January 11, 2006